ShrubsCornus sanguinea
Common Dogwood
Common dogwood is a native shrub with white flower clusters in June, dark blue berries in late summer, and striking red foliage and red stems in autumn and winter. The blood-red winter stems in particular make this shrub a valuable asset for the winter garden.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 200–400 cm
- Spread
- 200–400 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–7
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- birds, bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in sun to partial shade in any normal garden soil. The shrub is extremely adaptable and tolerates even chalky or wet soil. Feeding is rarely needed. The shrub spreads via root suckers — plan accordingly.
Pruning tips
Each spring, cut one third of the oldest stems to the ground to keep the red bark colour young and vibrant. Older, unpruned specimens gradually lose their brightly coloured stems.
Good companions
ShrubsCornus kousa
Japanese Dogwood
Japanese Dogwood is an elegant large shrub or small tree with striking white bracts that sit like stars on the branches in June and July. In autumn, raspberry-shaped red fruits appear and the foliage turns deep crimson. The horizontal branching pattern gives the tree year-round character.
ShrubsViburnum opulus
Guelder Rose
The Guelder Rose is a native shrub with broad, flat white flower clusters in May and June, followed by bright red berries in autumn. The foliage turns spectacular orange to red in the fall. The shrub provides food and shelter for birds and is a valuable addition for biodiversity.
ShrubsSambucus nigra
Elder
Elder is a native large shrub or small tree bearing flat, creamy-white flower clusters in June that release a delightfully sweet fragrance. In autumn, glossy dark purple berries follow, beloved by birds. Both flowers and berries are edible and have been used for centuries in elderflower cordial and elderberry juice.